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The start of a new year is the perfect time to mix things up. After all, if there was ever a good time to embrace change, it’s now, when turning over a new leaf is de rigueur. So in light of our annual commitment to self-improvement, here are some workouts worthy of trying in 2013.

The goal of this exercise is to promote change, not a new fad, so you’ll notice that not all of the workouts are fresh on the fitness scene. In fact, most have been around for a while. But of all the exercise options out there, I chose these four in hopes that they will entice you out of your comfort zone and into a whole new world of exercise that will reap benefits for years to come.

Ballet/barre workout

What it is: Proponents of ballet/barre classes liken them to a Pilates workout, but with a ballet twist. Performed largely at a barre similar to what you would find in a ballet studio, you don’t need to be a prima ballerina to benefit from this workout. You do however have to perform lots of pliés and other technical ballet moves, which look simple enough until you’re at the barre sweating through a workout designed to give you the strength, flexibility and posture of a ballerina.

Who should try it: Anyone with a dance background or a love of dance. Pilates and yoga enthusiasts will benefit from their training and enjoy the change of pace from their regular routine.

Who should think twice: Though the class claims to be for both genders, the promise of a dancer’s long, lean body isn’t a selling point for most men. Also, due to repeated flexing and straightening of the knees during exercises like pliés and lunges, you may want to think twice if you have knee problems.

Notes: Ballet/barre classes differ tremendously between instructors, so you might have to shop around before finding an instructor that offers just the right mix of dance and technique.

CrossFit

What it is: Traditional old-school callisthenics like burpees, push-ups, squats and pull-ups are combined with power lifts, plyometrics and gymnastics to create a WOD (workout of the day) that is bound to push your limits. The WOD’s are intense, as they require exercisers to perform a predetermined number of reps before moving on to the next exercise in the series. Designed to build strength and power, no two workouts are the same, which is part of CrossFit’s appeal.

Who should try it: Athletes and former athletes love the competitiveness of CrossFit — and since they are usually familiar with many of lifts and exercises in the WODs, they adapt easily to the workouts.

Who should think twice: The workouts demand a high degree of fitness and skill, so this isn’t the best option for novice exercisers. It’s also not recommended for anyone with a chronic or pre-existing injury as it’s easy to get so carried away with the competitive aspect of the workout that you risk a flare-up.

Notes: It takes weeks and sometimes months of coaching to develop the technique needed to perform many of the lifts and exercises that make up the core of CrossFit. Make sure you receive your training from a certified instructor who not only teaches the correct technique, but refrains from pushing you too hard, too soon.

Computraining

What it is: This is indoor cycling on steroids. Using your own bike, which is hooked up to a computer and trainer, Computraining is as close as you can get to an outdoor ride indoors. Cyclists get real-time feedback on their speed, power, heart rate and cadence while virtually cycling some of the most famous bike courses in the world, which are projected on a big screen. The workout is led by an instructor while the computer automatically adjusts the bikes’ resistance to replicate the course’s actual ascents, descents and flats.

Who should try it: Hard core cyclists who are looking to amp up their training, and up-and-coming cyclists who want to improve their cycling skills in a safe environment.

Who should think twice: This is an intense workout, so if you’re not prepared to leave it all on your bike, stick with spinning.

Notes: Not all fitness clubs offer Computraining, so you may need to call around town to find an indoor cycling workout that uses Computrainers.

Yoga

What it is: Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably familiar with this age-old combination of mind/body exercise that improves flexibility and muscular endurance. Why then is it listed as one of the workouts to try in 2013? I’m a firm believer that everyone needs to work on their range of motion, which slowly deteriorates with age, and nothing brings back your youthful vigour better than yoga.

Who should try it: If your hamstrings scream every time you bend over to take off your boots or if you can’t reach that itch between your shoulder blades, then run — don’t walk —to your nearest yoga class.

Who should think twice: If you have wrist or shoulder problems you’ll need to find a class or instructor who can modify some of the core yoga poses to ease the strain on your joints.

Notes: Yoga isn’t meant to be competitive, so choose a practice that is gentle enough to allow you to relax while still developing your overall flexibility and range of motion.

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